Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP1 Report Builder

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP1 Report Builder is a report authoring environment for Microsoft business users designed specifically for helping them generate full-featured reports which can be saved on the computer or server for sharing them with other users.

User interface

The ribbon-like interface enables you to quickly access the main functions of the program while leaving room for a clean editing environment.
A dedicated panel is integrated for previewing the report, going to the previous or next page, performing searches, and zooming in or out.

Built-in wizard for creating a new report

The program offers a step-by-step approach for helping you create a report. You may opt for generating a table or matrix by choosing the data source connection, layout and style, and build up charts (you are guided through creating column, line, pie, bar and area charts), maps (reveals reports using a geographical background), or blank reports. What’s more, you are given the option to choose a data source connection or model to create a shared dataset.

Design your reports

The table reports are suitable for column-based data, matrix for summarized information, chart for graphical details, while free-form ones give you the freedom to build them for anything else.
You may build reports from any data source type that has a Microsoft .NET Framework-managed data provider, OLE DB provider, or ODBC data source, create reports that use relational and multidimensional data from SQL Server and Analysis Services, Oracle, Hyperion, and other databases, as well as import data from XML files.
When it comes to modifying existing reports you may alter data by filtering, grouping and sorting or by inserting formulas and expressions. Plus, you can add charts, gauges, sparklines, and indicators, include interactive features in your report (document maps), embed or reference images, and fill in text boxes, lines, rectangles, header and footer.

Exporting options

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP1 Report Builder enables you to save the definition of the report to your computer or report server (for sharing it with other users), export data to HTML, MHTML, PDF, XML, CSV, TIFF, DOC or XLS file format, run a report at a custom time, create a history and set up email subscriptions, as well as generate data feeds.

Bottom line

All in all, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP1 Report Builder comes with a powerful suite of features for helping you generate reports with interactive visualizations including maps, sparklines and databars.